Sales at Depot53.com wrote up an article and added it to their website after the VT tragedy. They mailed it over and I thought that it’d be a good idea to syndicate it here:
Airsoft Safety – In the Wake of the Virginia Tech Tragedy
In the aftermath of the Virginia Tech shootings, public and law enforcement sensitivity to anyone with a firearm is justifiably at an all time high. As such it is extremely important that you, as a responsible airsofter, are aware your activities are going to receive extra scrutiny.
Concern over copycat crimes and people with weapons is certain to draw attention to anyone carrying a firearm (airsoft or real), and especially people running around in camo or tac gear in neighborhoods, or wooded areas looking like they are shooting each other. To ensure your safety, here are some simple precautions you should take:
- Because airsoft guns are indistinguishable in most situations from actual firearms, it is important you treat your airsoft replica as if it was a real firearm.
- Transport airsoft guns in enclosed containers such as gun cases.
- Do NOT display an airsoft gun in a public place. Displaying an airsoft gun in an inappropriate location can lead to your arrest and/or confiscation of your guns by local law enforcement.
- Refrain from skirmishing in your neighborhood or other public places if possible. If this isn’t possible, as a courtesy to your neighbors let them know you or your children will be playing in the area with airsoft guns.
- DON’T play anywhere on, or near a school or college campus. This is just plain stupid!
If someone does report your activities to local authorities and law enforcement officers are dispatched, they are going to take the call very seriously. Because your weapons look real, the outcome of the situation and possibly your life will depend on how you react. When approached by a law enforcement officer, do the following:
- Remain calm and follow all instructions issued by the police immediately and without hesitation.
- If you are carrying a weapon in your hands, immediately (and slowly) place it on the ground and step back from it, keeping your hands visibly away from the trigger.
- If your weapon is in a holster or slung over your shoulder, do NOT remove or unsling it until instructed to do so by the officer. When instructed, do it slowly and keep your hands away from the trigger.
- Make sure the officer can see your hands at all times.
- Under NO circumstances point your weapon at the officer. This will get you killed. Last year a Middle School student in Longwood, Florida was shot and killed when he pointed his airsoft pistol a Seminole County Deputy.
It is also important to note that Federal Law requires the first 1/4″ (quarter inch) of the barrel of the gun be blaze orange. If you have removed the orange tip, it has worn off, or been lost, go to a local hardware store buy some orange plastic tape and put it on your gun. Failure to do this can result in your airsoft weapon being confiscated because it doesn’t comply with Federal Law.
The bottom line to all of this is YOU have a responsibility to your community and for your own safety. Be Smart . . . Be Safe! (Depot53.com)
